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September 30, 2008

Another silly quiz

(Originally published by Nattie on February 24, 2004)

Schroeder

You are Schroeder!

You're Schroeder! An artiste,you hate to be distubed as you weave your art. Extremely patient, and posessing some obvious intellect, you'll surely go far in life. That is, unless you're being prodded into the spotlight by a domineering stage mom.

Which Peanuts Character are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:00 AM | Comments (0)

September 29, 2008

laundry leads itself to thinking

(Originally published by Nattie on February 24, 2004)

I had a thought while I was folding laundry. A little light bulb went on in my head about "The Passion" being an evangelizing tool. How is this movie any different than the other mediums people use? Think for a minute...

The writer writes about his or her faith. The singer sings about his or her faith. The painter paints about his or her faith. The blogger blogs about his or her faith. The preacher preaches about his or her faith. The director...makes a movie about his or her faith.

Just a random thought. God doesn't need the movie to minister to a soul, but maybe we do. We hide behind our gifts. We hide behind our steering wheels, computer screens, or movie screens...why don't we share more?

I'm not judging. If anything else, I'm asking myself this question...why don't I share my faith more?! Does it matter how I share it? Jesus used parables. Mel Gibson uses a movie. Billy Graham uses a podium. Natalie uses her blog. *weak grin* I think it matters more that I share "it."

So I'm praying that God loosens my lips and makes my fingers nimble. I'm praying that God uses this cracked vessel. And that I don't get in the way.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:26 AM | Comments (0)

September 26, 2008

Not all dat

(Originally published by Nattie on February 23, 2004)

I watched "Lost in Translation" over the weekend. I only got it because it seemed to win every award on the Golden Globes and I thought I should check it out. It wasn't all that.

I did have its hilarious moments like when Bill Murray's character gets stuck on a elliptical machine because the machine prompts were Japanese. LOL! And the storyline had its merits, but I kept waiting for something to happen. It is a movie that would have been better as a book. Like "The Pianist"—a moving story, but it didn't translate well into film. No pun intended.

And I tend to not like gritty, real movies. I'm an idealist. I like chick flicks. I like romance. I don't like gratuitious violence. I don't like reality in my movies or tv. I'm a dreamworld girl. There is enough reality in my life. Thank you very much.

Even though this is the case, I'm drawn to "The Passion of the Christ". One reviewer described the bloody violence as often excrutiating to watch. Why would I want to see this?

Because I don't think I live like I'm redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb. Does anyone truly understand what Jesus, the man went through to save me? To save you? It isn't a pretty picture. But I think it is a necessary movie for me to see. God is taking me on a journey. A journey of learning to live in His grace and mercy. Part of that journey is understanding just how much he really loves me.

I watched one interview with Mel Gibson and I loved how he said we are all culpable for Christ's death. In the movie it is Mel's hand holding the spike as they nail it into Christ's hand. Wow! Oh, and I'm not seeing this movie because I think Mel is a hunk. ;-) He is a good looking man, but if I want an older man I prefer Sean Connery, Sam Shepard (with a beard—without he looks bare), Kris Kristofferson...well, you get the picture. :-)

I'm also not too keen on the idea of people calling this an evangelizing tool. Yes, it could be, but...my husband isn't a Christian. I know how he feels about people pushing religion down his throat. I wanted him to go see this with me. He has to work. No big deal. God doesn't need a movie to move in my husband's life, but I also think God is big enough to use a movie to move in someone's life.

Anyway, I'm ready to see the movie with my dad. He is my date. :-) My church is providing child care so the kids are taken care of and I plan on eating out somewhere that doesn't serve McNuggets. I'm bringing a box of Kleenex for the tears. Maybe I should bring a barf bag, too. Like I said, I'm not into violence. I guess that is why God gave me hands. I can cover my eyes if I have to.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

(Yes, we did. And we did have chicken...wings at TGI Friday's. And she covered her eyes.—Nattie's Daddy)

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:29 AM | Comments (0)

September 25, 2008

silliness

(Originally published by Nattie on February 23, 2004)

I mentioned that awesome word-a-day site that I just heard about. Here was one of the quotes from today:

It is absurd to divide people into good and bad. People are either charming or tedious.—Oscar Wilde

I love it! :-)

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:30 AM | Comments (0)

September 24, 2008

The Letter A

(Originally published by Nattie on February 23, 2004)

We got Jonathan's first progress report for preschool on Friday. The big thing we need to work on is letter recognition. I had slacked off in that department. Once he was in speech and then preschool, I just got lazy.

I figured if I'm working with Jonathan I may as well include Anna. So we are having theme days. Today was the letter A.

I went to Leann's homeschool site and found some links there. I especially liked the Easy Fun School site.

So I taped an "Aa" flashcard to the entertainment center (we know they're always looking there) and throughout the day I asked what letter it is. And we have "A" coloring pages. We've made paper airplanes. I had Jonathan make an "A" collage out of As he found in the Sunday paper. We've read Arthur books and made the letter "A" out of pencils.

I don't know how you homeschoolers do it. This is hard work. The kids are having fun. But I must remember to put up the scissors when we aren't working together. I forgot and Jonathan tried to cut Anna's ponytail...again!

Life is never boring.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:36 AM | Comments (0)

September 23, 2008

Back in the saddle

(Originally published by Nattie on February 21, 2004)

I think I'm feeling better. Well, I know I'm feeling better. *knock on wood* So I'm going to list some things I'm thankful for...

*walks away humming*

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:22 AM | Comments (0)

September 22, 2008

Another do nuttin' day

(Originally published by Nattie on February 20, 2004)

I didn't sleep well last night and asked Wes to take Jonathan and Anna to soccer. Apparently they were a handful. Go figure and he says he is never going to do that again. Why am I not allowed to say that? I laid on the couch most of the day. I read some and just lazed some more. Wes came home with Burger King so I didn't have to fix lunch.

After he went to work, the kids and I took a nap. Well, I took a nap and they destroyed their room.

I fixed chicken pot pies for dinner. Then decided I felt strong enough to do dishes and clean up the kitchen. Then I decided while I was on a roll I would fold laundry. Then while I was at it I looked for the kids' library books that I need to return on Monday. Then I brought all the dirty laundry downstairs and tidied the kids room.

I barely made a dent in it, but I picked up dirty cups, some trash and dirty clothes.

Now I'm back to the couch. I think my store of energy has been depleted. I'm ready for the kids to go to bed.

We've started a new tradition that they seem to enjoy. They take their baths and when they are done they pile in my bed and we read books. Anna usually drops off in my arms. We also say our prayers together. It is easier on my knees to pray in my bed than on their toy-strewn floor.

I have their church clothes picked out for tomorrow. I'm going to find mine next. Comfort is the key. I think I'll take a hot shower tonight and put my hair in curlers. Maybe even do a facial mask. I realized that I've been wearing the same clothes since I took a shower Thursday night. Oops! I guess I haven't been feeling well. I'm going to look into getting some iron vitamins again. I think I'm anemic again. That would explain the energy lag at this time of the month.

Have a happy Sunday. I've got the membership class tomorrow. I'm really enjoying it. They've answered some key questions for me already. And I'm feeling that by next week I'll be able to say I want to be a member. The pastor has answered a lot of key questions for me about the church's doctrine and I feel better about it. Good night and God bless.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:30 AM | Comments (0)

September 20, 2008

Do nuttin' day

(Originally published by Nattie on February 20, 2004)

I declared today a do nuttin' day.
The couch is my best friend day.
Eat breakfast for lunch day.
Drink Diet Coke for dinner day.
Let the laundry go to heck day.
Let the dishes do themselves day.
Eat brownies on the living room floor day. Just a do nuttin' today day.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 03:33 PM | Comments (0)

September 19, 2008

silly quiz time

(Originally published by Nattie on February 19, 2004)

You're a pantser!

You're a pantser, someone who "writes by the seat of her pants." You're the type of a writer who has a brilliant story idea, and runs with it. You're very creative, with the source of your creativity in spontaneity. Outlines bring you down, and you could never write a story if you knew ahead of time how it was going to end. You're a free spirit who writes as whimsy inspires you without worrying overly much what others will think.

What Kind of a Writer Are You?
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Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:15 AM | Comments (1)

September 18, 2008

Quote of the day...

(Originally published by Nattie on February 18, 2004)

Love wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise...you will discover the fullness of your life.—Brother David Steindl-Rast

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:33 AM | Comments (1)

September 17, 2008

Dirty

(Originally published by Nattie on February 18, 2004)

Dirty.
Words.
Meaningless.
Hurt.
Pain.
Anger.
Bile.
Raw.
Crap.
Rage.
Rape.
Dirty.
Sin.
Yours.
Mine.
Confession.
Blood.
Cleansing.
Pure.
Whole.
Clean.
Restoring.
Renewing.
Mercy.
Grace.
Love.
Peace.
Whole.
Real.
Intimate.
Life-changing.
Dirty.
No.
More.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:40 AM | Comments (1)

September 16, 2008

What I know to be true?!

(Originally published by Nattie on February 18, 2004)

I'm going to try a twist on the "nine things about me" blogs. Instead I'm going to tell you nine things I know to be true (for me)...

  1. The world doesn't stop spinning if you are offline for two days.
  2. My son cannot be trusted with scissors. Look at my daughter's hair for the evidence.
  3. If I have a bag of chips open in front of me, I will eat the whole bag.
  4. If I count out the serving size and put it on the plate, then put the bag away...the bag will call to me until I eat every last crumb.
  5. It is safer to not have a bag of chips in the house.
  6. Although, if you want the chips badly enough (and I did), you will put sweats on over your pajamas and go to the store to get them.
  7. Exercise is good for you.
  8. Water actually tastes good if you have been riding your stationary bike for 46 minutes straight.
  9. One can get tired of too many tv channels and too many tv shows. Life was so much simpler when I only had five fuzzy stations to choose from; now I have 70 clear stations! And even though I don't want to watch tv, I have to flip through all 70 stations just to make sure, therefore wasting precious time!!!
These things I know to be true for me. Are they true for you?

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:36 AM | Comments (1)

September 15, 2008

I'm alive

(Originally published by Nattie on February 14, 2004)

We had another problem with our new DSL. Sometime on Monday the ethernet card wiggled loose (anything is possible in our house) and hubby finally figured out the problem late last night. So I'm catching up on email, blogs and other internet stuff. I decided to unsubscribe from some groups because I found I'm not reading them and they are just filling up my inbox (which is very evident when you haven't checked your email for two days). So I'm alive. Drowning in email, but alive. :-)

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:06 AM | Comments (1)

September 13, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day

(Originally published by Nattie on February 13, 2004)

Love the one you are with!

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 12:17 PM | Comments (0)

September 12, 2008

Valentine Musings

(Originally published by Nattie on February 12, 2004)

I have nothing profound to say about Valentine's Day. I like the roses and candy, but it isn't a big deal to me. My favorite valentine gift was the year my hubby bought me a bookcase. It was a thoughtful gift that he knew I would love.

Actually, this Valentine season I'm in mourning. I am no longer at the center of my 5-1/2-year-old son's universe.

First he had a crush on the little girl in his speech therapy class. He didn't bat an eye when she gave him a valentine, so maybe that crush is over. But now... *sigh* I think he has a crush on his preschool teacher.

As we were looking at all of his valentines from his preschool party, Jonathan would have me read the names of each student. Then we came to the one from Mrs. Blunt. *sniff* He got all breathless and googly-eyed and asked me if it said, "I love you."

He sighed when I told him it was signed, "Love, Mrs. Blunt." He buried his head in my side and said, "I like teacher." *sniff* What is with these women taking my son away from me?

Well, I guess I can relish the fact that he shared a piece of his valentine candy with me and no one else. Ha! I'm worth a piece of candy, and I'm here, candy or no candy. So there! Maybe I can be his valentine one year longer.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:42 AM | Comments (0)

September 11, 2008

on a lighter note

(Originally published by Nattie on February 12, 2004)

Ballet Shoes

Ballet shoes—beautiful, graceful, and creative, you enjoy dancing writing and music. You are often very poetic and sometimes dramatic. You keep to yourself aside from a few close friends that you can relate to. [please vote! thank you! :)]

What Kind of Shoe Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:20 AM | Comments (0)

September 10, 2008

BIG *SIGH*

(Originally published by Nattie on February 10, 2004)

I've been offline since early yesterday afternoon. We got a good deal on DSL and ordered it. It has been a series of almost comedic errors. First they lost our order. Then they don't tell us we need an ethernet card. We get the ethernet card and something is wrong with our phone line.

Now I know that God was keeping me away from a blog that would get my goat and keep me from saying things I shouldn't say. Because this is my blog, I can say what I want, right? :-)

Did you know that if you are friends with someone you are in a gang? Did you know that even if you never say anything about agreeing with something, because you are friends with someone in that "gang" you are now a clone and have exactly the same beliefs? Did you know that because I exist, I am wrong? Did you know that there are some people who are always right?

I've tried really hard to not listen to this garbage, but you know it just makes me want to cuss. Okay, I think it is out of my system. For now.

I just have to say one more thing—POISON. Pure poison.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:31 AM | Comments (0)

September 09, 2008

Just a little ant in a big anthill

(Originally published by Nattie on February 9, 2004)

I don't feel this way very often anymore, but all of a sudden I just get this feeling that my life isn't making much of a splash. I'm not touching anyone. I'm just a little ant in a big anthill. Just one more worker ant and no one would notice if I wasn't here to fold the ant laundry or fix the ant dinner. *sigh* I won't give in to this feeling. It is just going to be a thought that flits across the transom of my mind, but it lingers...what could I do to make my life more effectual? more splashy? just more?

Copyright Natalie Rose York

(Oh, how wrong you were!—Nattie's Daddy)

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:33 AM | Comments (0)

September 08, 2008

It's official...

(Originally published by Nattie on February 9, 2004)

my baby girl is going to be okay. The Dr.'s office called today and the echo came back fine. Most likely her heart murmur was caused by the fevers she had in December and the murmur will just go away in time. Praise the Lord!

We had a nice little cuddly time. She is feeling puny again with a runny nose and she crawled in my lap and went to sleep. So we dozed together. I love watching her sleep. I love to watch her lashes flutter against her pink cheeks. I love to watch her mouth pucker in her sleep.

The snot coming out of her nose can go, but the rest of her was like that of a cherub resting on a cloud. :-)

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:19 AM | Comments (0)

September 06, 2008

Doesn't he realize it is genetic?

(Originally published by Nattie on August 6, 2004)

You've Been Bitten By the Shopping Bug!
You're constantly adding to your wardrobe—and it shows.
However, you can show some restraint. You love good deals.
Your love of the clearance rack has paid off...
You probably have only maxed out a card or two, if at all!
Are You a Shopaholic? Take This Quiz :-)
(Sorry...this site is no longer active) :-(

Okay...I went to the dollar store today. *sigh* Here is what was on my list:
1. Egg Timer
2. Pam
3. Dishwasher Soap
4. Juice
5. Fruit Snacks

Here is what I came home with:
1. Egg Timer
2. Pam
3. Dishwasher Soap
4. Juice
5. Fruit Snacks
6. Rolitos
7. A black sexy tank top (it was only $4 on the clearance rack and I've been looking for something like it to go with my favorite jeans)

When I showed it to hubby he just shook his head and said, "I knew you couldn't do it."

He needs to talk to my dad and my stepdad. I come by it honestly. Totally! It is genetic. I inherited it from my mom. It would be going against the laws of nature for me to avoid a clearance rack. *sigh*

Sara, where is that holy credit card dust?

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 12:39 PM | Comments (0)

September 05, 2008

Alice's Tulips

(Originally published by Nattie on August 6, 2004)

Alice's Tulips by Sandra Dallas was another wonderful read. The story is set in the Civil War on a small farm in Iowa. The story is told by letters from Alice to her sister, Lizzie. Woven into this story are Civil War quilt designs, the story of a young girl trying to live with her mother-in-law while her new husband is at war, struggles, murder and life.

Alice is a young and immature bride when the story begins, but by the end of the book she has become a very mature woman, all while waiting for her darling husband to come home to her. The story is very one-sided being told by Alice, but it is an interesting way to tell the tale. I really enjoyed it.

You will come to love the cast of characters—even the crotchety mother-in-law who doesn't seem to like Alice very much. It gives a wonderful view of how life must have been for the women during the Civil War as they tried to keep the home fires burning, keep food on the table and keep their farms running.

I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or quilting.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:33 AM | Comments (0)

September 04, 2008

I Capture the Castle

(Originally published by Nattie on August 6, 2004)

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith is an endearing and engaging story. It is told by 17-year-old Cassandra, a budding writer, who tries to "capture" her life on paper in three journals.

Cassandra lives in a rundown castle in England during the 1930s with her writer father, her stepmother Topaz, her older sister Rose, her younger brother Thomas and a hired hand Stephen. They are on the brink of poverty when the story opens.

Rose longs for an easier life and claims she will do anything to get it. Enter two American brothers who've inherited the next door estate. Rose aims to get the oldest boy, Simon, to ask her to marry him. But feelings get complicated and confused leaving Cassandra, Stephen, Neil— Simon's younger brother, Simon and Rose playing a game that no one seems to know the rules to.

Also going on is the wonder if their father will ever write again, his first book having been published 12 years before. By the end of the story Cassandra has managed to capture the castle as only she can.

It makes me wish I could live in poverty in a rundown castle. The book is a classic and will be added to my list of all-time favorites.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:32 AM | Comments (2)

September 03, 2008

January Reads

(Originally published by Nattie on February 10, 2004)

Like I said before, I still haven't touched a book on my 2004 reading list, but I did read 16 books in the month of January. Here is what I read:

My favorite book of the month was probably Little Altars Everywhere. It was written in a unique style and I always enjoy that. Each chapter was told by a different person. It made for a more complete picture that way.

The Tamar Myers books were all good mind candy. They are light cozy reads and could be read in a few hours. There are two different series—The Penn Dutch series and The Den of Antiquity series. The Penn Dutch series is set in a bed and breakfast in Pennsylvania surrounded by an eccentric cast of Mennonite, Amish and "English" (non-Amish) characters. The Den of Antiquity series is set in the Carolinas with a perky antique dealer as the amateur sleuth. Both series have their flaws. They need a better proofreader. I found a lot of continuity errors, but other than that I enjoyed them.

I had read the Lilian Jackson Braun book before, but reread with a book group. I found out that all of her newer books are ghost written, similar to the Nancy Drew books.

I also enjoyed Elizabeth Peters' Borrower of the Night. It was a mix between a super natural ghost story and mystery. All in all a good read.

So that is the list of my January reads. Now on to what I've read in February.

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:07 AM | Comments (0)

September 02, 2008

They did WHAT?!

(Originally published by Nattie on February 10, 2004)

Tuesday evening the kids were playing outside. Jonathan and the sidewalk decided to tussle. The sidewalk won leaving Jonathan with a huge gash on his forehead. I didn't have transportation to take him to the ER so I was frantically applying pressure to the wound and calling everyone in creation to get ahold of my husband.

Husband was located and he came home to take Jonathan to the ER. I had a parent orientation for Anna's preschool so I headed there with Anna in tow. We came back still no hubby and no Jonathan. No messages. Bedtime approached and still no hubby and Jonathan. Finally I get a call...

Hubby: We are headed home.
Me: Good. How is he doing?
Hubby: Well, the CAT scan came back okay and they didn't have to give him stitches. He has a mild concussion.
Me: Well, that is good news.
Hubby: They glued his eye shut.
Me: Excuse me!!!
Hubby: When they were gluing his cut closed some of the glue apparently dripped and they glued his eye shut.
Me: Excuse me?!!!
Hubby: They said it has never happened before.
Me:They glued his eye shut?!
Hubby: Yeah, they sent some antibiotics to put in his eye so it doesn't get infected. Well, we'll be home soon. Love you.
Me: *shocked silence*

Yup, they glued his eye shut. As if the gash on his brow line wasn't enough. I swear our life is never dull. So far the little guy has tolerated the antibiotics to his eye and refuses to stay home from kindergarten even though he can only see with one eye.

He wants an eye patch. But the highly competent *note sarcasm* ER technician says he should be able to open his eye fully within the next few days and everything will be fine. *sigh* I certainly hope so.

We follow up with our family doctor tomorrow. When I called to make his appointment, the receptionist was just as incredulous as I was—
"They glued his eye shut?!"

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 08:40 AM | Comments (0)

September 01, 2008

The Merry-Go-Round

(Originally published by Nattie on February 9, 2004)

The Merry Go Round of Life is spinning a little out of control. I'm just holding on for dear life at this point. Let's just say the latest spin involved a new kindergartener, a scooter and a trip to the ER. Everyone survived with minimal damage. 'Nuff said.

Don't expect much blog fodder from this quarter. I had to wake said kindergartener every two hours last night so I've not gotten much sleep at all. I did post my "August Reads" below. Still haven't touched a book on my "So Many Books List," but the year isn't over yet. Good night!

Copyright Natalie Rose York

Posted by Nattie's Daddy at 09:06 AM | Comments (0)